In support of the Only Watch biennial charity auction of unique timekeepers, De Bethune and Voutilainen, two beautiful independent manufactures have decided to join their strength and know-how while respecting this tradition of independence and keeping a common vision of watchmaking. From a mutual respect for each other’s work, a unique work of art with two faces was born, offering a similar time on both sides, but a somewhat different display. On one side, as on the other, the two independent watchmakers are perfectly distinguished by their own code. Featuring a sleek, contemporary design that gives pride of place to the mechanics. It is a new reading of the hour centered around the balance, accompanied by the minute index on the periphery. On the other side, we discover a dial with a deadbeat second and an original display of hours and minutes that breaks the familiar code of instant reading of the time. Hands superimposed where we do not expect them, equal angles between the hands when they should evolve. This face alloys us to appreciate the time by capturing our attention. Totally bewitching! Denis Flageollet and Kari Voutilainen are more than linked, they shared the same master watchmaker: Charles Meylan. Through this unique piece, the essence of their two worlds is honored and a common vision of watchmaking affirmed. Charles Meylan: 1920-2008 Born in the Vallée de Joux, technical director of Favre Leuba in Fleurier and then of Audemars Piguet, this talented master watchmaker took Denis Flageollet under his wing at the start of his career as a watchmaker and a few years later that of Kari Voutilainen. A great connoisseur of complicated watches, good-natured yet uncompromising about the quality of his work, he played a key role in passing on horological knowledge to the new generation during the great mechanical watchmaking crisis between 1975 and 1985.
